The story regarding the crisis in GP practices across the county reflects the acceptance that it is reaching breaking point for patients and their doctors and staff.

The reasons given – ageing population, demand for better access, cuts to budgets’ etc – are often given and always seem to omit the very important issue of rising populations, especially in towns and cities. My own area has seen a projected rise of 300 in the last few years. Potentially all of these (and their children) will access the same GP practice. While the population grows and the infrastructure remains the same, what else can we expect other than stress on the system (and the GPs)? A survey of all county practices to compare numbers registered three years ago with those registered now would be useful.

John C Batey, Horseman Close, Old Marston, Oxford

 

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